Over the weekend another Ark Survival Evolved update rolled out that adds new content to the core game, as well as the DLC of Scorched Earth. The update sees the addition of a new story system wherein the player can find caches, compromising of crates, urns and chests that have collectables in them.
These collectables range from physical copies of dossier entries, ancient tablets, scrolls and whole other bits and pieces. With each find, more of the ARK world is revealed, whether from the viewpoint of another survivor or some unfortunate member of history who got misplaced.
The tablets look to offer another reason to explore the worlds of Ark
And it wouldn’t be an update without the addition of Dinos, and we get three of them. First up the Chalicotherum, a mammal looking creature. It’s movements are almost similar to a horse but its ability comes in how it plays. The Chalico (easier to remember) can hurl huge boulders at structure so can be highly useful in taming creatures that require knocking out, or besieging an enemy base.
We also see the ability to now fire weapons while riding. Making mounted combat that more satisfying.
Next up is the Diplocaulus, which looks like a giant newt. As you can see from the video, it looks to be a swamp dweller that offers underwater travel. The bonus for this creature is that it stores oxygen in its cheeks? which allows player to refill oxygen if they haven’t got Scuba gear or are playing on Primitive plus. It’s also extremely nimble and super effective at hunting trilobites, might be a new mount for silica pearl hunts.
Dossier entry, it even looks badass on paper. Literally.
Finally, the best for last, is the Kaprosuchus. Essentially, a crocodile that has got PUMPED! The Kapro is somewhere between a raptor and a Sarco. I never rated a Sarco too highly but although the Kapro has little health compared to other predators, its utility is fantastic. For both early and late game players the Kapro can move around on land and water quickly. It has a leap ability to move around and sneak upon prey, including you. If a Kapro grabs you it can carry you off to drown you while draining your stamina. It’s leap ability can even remove you from a saddle, so be wary of this predator.
But that isn’t all! Perhaps the biggest addition is the procedural generated maps now added to ARK. Players can now create complete random maps at the click of a button. This sounds fantastic on paper but stepping back I feel apprehensive. ARK is still very buggy at times, with dinos following random AI paths, collision being off, getting stuck in the environment. All I can think is that random generated maps will bring more issues. I suppose don’t knock it til I try it.
Random maps means new building opportunities. Or does it?
However, that being said, this feature is only available to those who create a server, and hosting a server requires a whole extra Xbox. Unless Studio Wildcard can improve the current private world system that allows small gatherings of friends to play together (and not be tethered), I don’t see a large appeal to the map creation.
Lastly, and perhaps the most random is the ability to *whispers* neuter your dinos. Why you would to commit a cruel act I don’t know, I just hope other players wont go round ruining my breeding dinos.
Let us know your thoughts on the recent update. Ask any questions too! Happy to help any survivors out there. Follow me @MJSaiger
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